Read “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

2. Write the introduction for an essay that critically analyzes “Letter from
Birmingham Jail” for the presence of persuasive techniques.

3. Label the major parts of your introduction:
a. Hook
b. Title of article
c. Author’s name
d. Brief summary
e. Critical analysis thesis
i. Main idea of article
ii. Writing elements
iii. Evaluation

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Introduction:

a. Hook: "In his celebrated 'Letter from Birmingham Jail,' Martin Luther King, Jr. engages readers with his eloquent and impassioned defense of civil rights, addressing the moral obligation to fight for justice in the face of racial injustice."
b. Title of article: "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
c. Author's name: Martin Luther King, Jr.
d. Brief summary: The "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is a seminal piece of writing by Martin Luther King, Jr., written in response to a group of clergymen who criticized him for his nonviolent resistance during the Civil Rights Movement. In it, King articulates his reasons for direct action, rebuts the clergymen's arguments, and outlines the urgency of the civil rights cause.
e. Critical analysis thesis:
i. Main idea of the article: King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" employs various persuasive techniques to argue for the necessity of nonviolent direct action in the fight against racial injustice, emphasizing the moral responsibility to challenge an unjust system.
ii. Writing elements: Throughout the letter, King utilizes rhetorical devices, such as logos, pathos, and ethos, to appeal to the readers' logical reasoning, emotions, and credibility, respectively. Additionally, he skillfully employs various literary devices, including metaphor, allusion, and repetition, to make his arguments more impactful and memorable.
iii. Evaluation: This analysis will examine the effectiveness of King's use of persuasive techniques and writing elements in achieving his goal of compelling his audience to actively participate in the African American struggle for equality and justice.